“Like any bug, they are attracted to light. They start flying right when the sun sets and emerge very quickly from infested trees or structures,” Mr. Scheffrahn said.

The invasive pest was first discovered in Grand Cayman near Governors Harbour in 2000. By 2014, the pest had already been found in 102 locations on the main island, in addition to detections on the sister islands.

Researchers believe the insect was likely brought to Cayman by infested boats. The highly prolific species is expected to spread to most of western Grand Cayman by 2050.

Mature colonies, reaching up to a million termites, disperse in mass before the Caribbean rainy season to find new locations to infest.